Weight Loss & Women - Study

Weight Loss Study - Aim
The objective was to develop effective weight-loss methods for women who
have had breast cancer, because obesity may result in an adverse prognosis.

Weight Loss Study - Methods
This randomized pilot study tested an individualized approach toward weight
loss in obese women who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer. An individualized
approach was applied either alone or combined with the commercial Weight
Watchers program. Forty-eight women (body mass index of 30 to 44 kg/m(2))
were enrolled.

Weight Loss Study - Results
Weight change after 12 months of intervention was as follows (mean +/-
SD): 0.85 +/- 6.0 kg in the control group, -2.6 +/- 5.9 kg in the Weight
Watchers group, -8.0 +/- 5.5 kg in the individualized group, and -9.4
+/- 8.6 kg in the comprehensive group that used both individualized counseling
and Weight Watchers. Weight loss relative to control was statistically
significant in the comprehensive group 3, 6, and 12 months after randomization,
whereas weight loss in the individualized group was significant only at
12 months. Weight loss of 10 percent or more of initial body weight was
observed in 6 of 10 women in the comprehensive group at 12 months. In
the comprehensive and Weight Watchers-only groups, weight loss was significantly
related to frequency of attendance at Weight Watchers meetings, and attendance
was more frequent in the comprehensive group.

Weight Loss Study - Issues
These data indicate that the most weight loss was achieved when the counseling
approach combined both Weight Watchers and individualized contacts. This
was effective even though most of the individualized contacts were by
telephone.

Weight Loss Methods
The science of weight loss and obesity management is constantly evolving,
along with research into weight loss drugs, supplements and gastric bypass
surgery. At present, however, a balanced diet combined with regular exercise
remains the favored weight management strategy of most weight loss experts.